President’s Report 2

Conference Preview 3

Thank You

to Our Hosts 4

MTNA Fellow 5

GMTA Theory Tests 6

Theory Results 8

MTNA

Competitions 14

GMTA Judges List 14

GMTA Auditions 15

Teacher of the Year 23

Ad Index 23

GMTA Award

Funds 24

Arts Awareness &

Advocacy 24

Steinway & GMTA

Grants 25

Spotlight on New

Executive Director 26

Local Associations 27

Collegiate Chapters 29

Certification 30

Membership 31

MTNA Foundation 32

Music Link 33

Calendar 34

Leadership 35

GEORGIA MUSIC GEORGIA MUSIC GEORGIA MUSIC

TEACHERS ASSOCIATIONTEACHERS ASSOCIATIONTEACHERS ASSOCIATION S u m m e r N e w s l e t t e r 2 0 1 5S u m m e r N e w s l e t t e r 2 0 1 5S u m m e r N e w s l e t t e r 2 0 1 5 Inside this issue:

Ian Hobson

20152015 GMTA GMTA

Conference

Conference

Ingrid Clarfield

Greg McLean

Robin Engleman, NCTM, GMTA President

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Where have the last eight months gone?!? From Southern Division Meetings and Competitions in January to the MTNA

Conference and Regional Auditions in March to State Auditions in April, these months have flown by! I guess time really does fly

when you’re having fun!

Lots of exciting things have been happening in GMTA:

ACTIVE MEMBER RENEWAL DEADLINE - JUNE 30TH (see ad at bottom of page 12)

If you’re a procrastinator like me and haven’t mailed your Membership Renewal Statement (yet), or, if you’re not old-school,

renewed online, don’t forget to update ALL of your information. Double check what is showing up on the online MEMBERSHIP

DIRECTORY. If what you see is not correct, you may either contact MTNA directly or contact Mandy, and she will see that your

information is updated with MTNA. This reminder also applies to the STUDENT MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL DEADLINE which

is SEPTEMBER 30th.

MTNA COMPETITIONS GMTA was represented well at all levels (State, Division and National) of the MTNA Competitions and I salute our fine students

and their teachers. You may find the names of all who won or placed on the state, regional or national levels on the GMTA website.

Click on About Us / Student Activities / Winner Results.

MTNA CONFERENCE Las Vegas was the site for this year’s MTNA Conference. What a great conference with exciting sessions, recitals, master classes

and exhibits! Approximately twenty GMTA members gathered for this conference and ten attended the Gala where our own Martha

Thomas was honored as an MTNA Fellow. MTNA recognized two GMTA members for their 50 year of membership in MTNA:

Betty M. Nolting, NCTM of Atlanta and Sandy S. Yeargan, NCTM, of Rome. I hope you will plan now to attend next year’s

Conference in San Antonio. It will be held April 3-6, the week that many of us will have Spring Break.

AUDITIONS Much work goes into the preparation of these Auditions and we are grateful for those who made the Auditions such a success.

Congratulations and thanks to Cathy Thacker and her staff for their excellent work preparing for and running the 2015 GMTA

Local, Regional and State Auditions. Many thanks to the music faculty of the colleges and universities which hosted our Regional

and State Auditions (see page 5).

THEORY Under Jason Bennett’s excellent leadership, Theory has been divided into GMTA Theory Tests with Diane Boyd, NCTM and the

GATE (Georgia Auditions Theory Exam) with Rebekah Healan. Both ladies and their teams did an admirable job of preparing their

respective tests. Check out Diane’s report on page 7 and the extensive list of students and teachers who participated in GMTA

Theory Tests. Kudos to Rebekah, her committee and all teachers in Local Auditions who helped administer the GATE to all pre-

college piano students for this trial run year.

WEBSITE The Executive Board voted at their April meeting to dissolve the position of Website Chair. Jonathan Klein has served GMTA so

ably in many ways, but in particular as website chair for several years. Since November, Mandy Reynolds, GMTA’s new Executive

Director, has been handling the updates and communicating with Handmade Designs. I invite you to check out the updated web

pages such as the Judges List, Grants and Awards; Georgia’s Own or the new Honorary Lifetime Members page. Whether you want

to investigate November’s conference, read past newsletters, or look at Student Activities, the GMTA website has it all! When you

access the website from your mobile device, you will see a more “mobile-friendly” look. And if you don’t know the login or

password, contact any Local Association President, Mandy or myself for password information.

FACEBOOK PAGE – Thank you, Cat Massey, for overseeing our Georgia Music Teachers Association FB page!

AD HOC COMMITTEES An ad hoc committee, chaired by Jonathan Klein, was formed in November to recommend a schedule of fees for non-members who

wish to participate in GMTA affiliated events. Many thanks to Jonathan, Cathy Thacker, NCTM and Betty Atkins!

MTNA 2015-2017 EDITORIAL COMMITTEE includes two GMTA members: Tom Pearsall, NCTM of Statesboro and N.

Mason Conklin, NCTM of Canton. Thank you for your service, Tom and Mason!

2016 GMTA AUDITIONS DATES may be found on Calendar (p 33) or on the website Calendar.

2015 MTNA COMPETITIONS will be held at Clayton State University in Morrow, Thursday, October 29th thru Sunday,

November 1st. Note: different time; different location.

The 2015 GMTA CONFERENCE will be held at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Thursday, November 5th thru Saturday,

November 7th. Take a look at page 4 for more information about this year’s conference. Joy Poole has spent many hours putting

together a great three days! You do not want to miss it!

Thank you all for your work as teachers and as members of GMTA. If I can be of assistance to you, or if you have suggestions or

concerns, always feel free to contact me. I hope you all have an enjoyable and relaxing summer.

2

GMTA CONFERENCE 2015 November 5 - 7 3 Make plans now to attend the 2015 GMTA Conference held on the beautiful campus of Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia.

Outstanding headliners and Georgia’s Own Sessions will provide many exciting and informative sessions.

Our Conference Recitalist will be Ian Hobson (http://ianhobson.net) of the University of Illinois. “Ian Hobson is a musician of

tremendous versatility who has earned an international reputation as a pianist, conductor, and educator.” Mr. Hobson has

performed worldwide and won awards at many highly recognized competitions. The Conference Recital will be Friday evening.

Hobson will host a Master Class for High School students on Saturday morning.

Ingrid Clarfield (http://ingridclarfield.com) of Westminster Choir College will be our Pedagogy Headliner. Ms. Clarfield is a

nationally recognized teacher, clinician, pianist and author. She is a well sought-after clinician presenting programs in more than

a hundred cities across the United States. In 2012 she was honored with the distinction of MTNA Teacher of the Year. New to

our conference in 2015 will be a Middle School Master Class led by Ms. Clarfield.

The Commissioned Composer will be Greg McLean (http://www.gregmclean.net), one of Atlanta’s most versatile musicians.

His compositions include works for The Atlanta Symphony Brass Quintet and many National Competitions, Festivals and

Conferences among other groups. Mr. McLean composes in all styles but especially enjoys jazz. We are looking forward to this

year’s composition.

A special reception will be held on Friday evening honoring our 50 year members. Join us as we honor those members.

Attendees who are interested in serving as presiders, who welcome and assist the presenters, are encouraged to send an e-mail to

Joy Poole (jpoole@burnthickory.com).

For more information please visit the conference page of the GMTA website (http://www.georgiamta.org/conference.php).

Looking forward to seeing each of you at the 2015 Conference.

Joy Poole, GMTA VP of Programs

We really couldn t have done it without you!

GMTA would like to thank all the institutions that helped host

our 2014-2015 events. The success and service to our teachers

and students is only possible due to the generosity of your

schools and faculty. Our thanks extend to:

Brenau University Region I Auditions

www.brenau.edu

Clayton State University State Conference, MTNA Competitions

www.clayton.edu

Georgia Perimeter College Region IV Auditions

www.gpc.edu

Georgia Regents University Region II Auditions

www.gru.edu

Mercer University Region III Auditions

www.mercer.edu

Kennesaw State University Region V Auditions

www.kennesaw.edu

University of Georgia GMTA State Auditions

www.uga.edu

MARTHA THOMAS NAMED 2015 MTNA FELLOW

Dr. Martha Thomas, NCTM, was named a Foundation Fellow at the 2015 MTNA Conference held at Las Vegas. The

presentation was made during the MTNA Foundation Gala on Monday evening, March 23, at which time thirty-five members

from many locations received this prestigious award recognizing them “for distinguished service to the music teaching profes-

sion.” They received an attractive certificate and pin and were photographed with the MTNA President, Kenneth Christensen,

NCTM, and Gary Ingle, MTNA Executive Director and CEO. Newly named Fellows are recognized in an issue of The American

Music Teacher and their names are added to a plaque located at the MTNA National Headquarters. Also, their names are added

to the Fellow Listing on the Foundation Fund website which is an ongoing prominent recognition of Fellows from the program’s

inception in 2000 until the present year.

Members from local, state, division and national levels joined together to honor Martha with this award. The required

minimum amount of $1,000.00 needed to designate her for this honor was well exceeded by the time of the 2014 GMTA Confer-

ence when the announcement was made as a surprise to her.

Dr. Thomas has earned the reputation on all levels of GMTA and MTNA as being highly qualified and accomplished in

all of her work. For her many years of dedicated service, she is very deserving of this honor.

Martha Thomas is Associate Director for Academic Programs and Professor of Piano at the University of Georgia, and

Immediate Past MTNA Southern Division Director in which post she served a two-year term on the MTNA Board of Directors.

She has also served as President of the Georgia MTA and President of the Athens MTA. She began her teaching career at the

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and was a founding member of the Stevens Point Area MTA, still in existence today. A

native Texan, she holds degrees through the doctorate from the Universities of Texas and Wisconsin and studied piano with Wil-

liam Race, Danielle Martin, and Howard Karp. In 2012 she received the GMTA Teacher of the Year Award, and in 2015 she was

nominated for the office of Vice President of MTNA. As of April 2015, a total of $2,185.00 had been given to the MTNA Foun-

dation in Dr. Thomas’ honor.

Photo ©2015 Harry Butler, Nashville

Martha Thomas is shown with the MTNA President, Kenneth Christensen, NCTM, and Gary Ingle, MTNA Executive

Director and CEO at the Foundation Gala during the 2015 MTNA Conference held at Las Vegas when she was named a

Foundation Fellow.

5

GMTA Theory Tests

Jason Bennett, GMTA Theory Chair

Over the years, numerous members have emailed me with questions about the theory tests, ranging from page layout to staff size

to diminished triads, etc. For every person who asked, I assume there are others who would benefit from knowing the answer to

those questions. Starting now, you can submit questions about either the GMTA Theory Tests or the Georgia Auditions Theory

Exams (GATEs) using a specific email address for each, and answers to those questions will be published on GMTA’s website in

an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document on each areas’ webpage. These FAQs will be continually updated as new

questions are received and answered.

GMTA Theory Tests gmta.theory.questions@gmail.com

GATEs (for Auditions) gate.theory.questions@gmail.com

As with any area in GMTA, the theory area is constantly reviewing and revising its policies, procedures, and content. Any

changes that affect participation in the theory programs will be announced and published well in advance of the changes taking

effect. As with all areas in GMTA, it is imperative that each member ensure that they watch for, make note of, and retain the

information that GMTA makes available each year so that they can incorporate those changes as they prepare students to

participate in various GMTA events, including the GMTA Theory Tests and the GATEs.

GMTA THEORY TESTS

Administrator Diane Boyd, NCTM

Committee Dr. Susan Thomson (Georgia Southern Univ.)

Donna Dasher, NCTM

The 2014-2015 tests have been graded & returned, along with achievement certificates, to participating members. The results

have been posted on GMTA’s website, along with participation statistics. Just go to http://georgiamta.org/studentActivities-

TAT.php and click on “2014-2015 GMTA Theory Test Results”.

Goals for 2015-2016:

Update/revise curriculum

Publish a guide with examples of correct handwritten answers

Please send any questions you have about the GMTA Theory Tests, including specific questions about music theory, to

gmta.theory.questions@gmail.com. Answers will periodically be added to an FAQ on the GMTA Theory Test webpage.

GEORGIA AUDITIONS THEORY EXAMS (GATEs)

Administrator Rebekah Healan

Committee Lois Finlay, NCTM

Renee Holliman, NCTM

Colette Keogh, NCTM

Joe Lozier

The committee is still processing and analyzing the tests & results and will publish a report for all GMTA members to read in an

upcoming GMTA newsletter. The committee is planning to return the graded tests to the Local Associations to distribute to the

individual teachers.

Preliminary observations about 2014-2015:

A few test questions were problematic and were invalidated. Had the scores counted, those questions would not have counted

against any student’s grade. The committee will strive to craft questions that are as clear and focused as possible.

Levels A & B were largely OK and will only need minor edits for next year.

Level C is under review & will be revised based on what the committee is learning from the trial run this past spring.

In order to avoid disqualifications that might arise from nonconforming grading at the local level, the GATE committee will

establish qualifications for graders and will provide training and certification so that a consistent and uniform result can

be assured across all the LAs.

6

Continued

on page 7..

Notes regarding the 2015-2016 GATEs:

They will again be paper-and-pencil and will be graded locally by each LA.

They will be made available in both the fall and spring so that LAs can choose a date that works best in their schedules. To

ensure fairness, different versions of the tests will be created and distributed. Mailing / distribution dates TBA.

Exemptions will become active. Details are still being finalized and will be published on GMTA’s website by 6/30/15,

including a list of all students who have earned exemptions for each GATE level.

On the date of Local Auditions, ALL of the GATEs for a grade level must have been administered and graded BEFORE the

results of that grade level are announced. For example, an LA cannot announce the results of grade 6’s auditions until

every participating student has either taken or been exempted from taking the Level A GATE, whether the student took

the exam on a date prior to, or on, the date of your Local Auditions. If your LA plans to administer the GATEs on the day

of its Auditions, you will need to plan accordingly.

All 12th grade piano and piano concerto Auditions participants must take their GATEs by the date of their Local Association’s

Local Auditions. GATEs will NOT be administered at either Regional or State Auditions.

Please send any questions you have about the Georgia Auditions Theory Exams (GATEs), including specific questions about

music theory, to gate.theory.questions@gmail.com. Answers will periodically be added to an FAQ on the GATE webpage.

GMTA Theory Achievement Tests 2014-2015 Results

Diane Boyd, NCTM 8

This year, 281 students representing 50 of our members took the GMTA Theory Tests. Of those 281 tests, 165 (59%) earned a

90 or above, and 35 scored a perfect 100! Congratulations to all the students and the teachers who prepared them so well for

these tests!

Thank you so much to the outgoing members of the GMTA theory committee, Dr. Priscilla Jefcoat, B.J. Sutherland, NCTM, &

Gayle Vann. We welcome Donna Dasher, NCTM and Dr. Susan Thomson as they join this committee. I especially appreciate

Jason Bennett for his encouragement and help in this transition year . Also, thank you to the GMTA administration for their on-

going support and commitment to the importance of teaching music theory to our students.

Finally, thank you to the members of GMTA for supporting GMTA’s Theory Achievement Program, and continuing to emphasize

to your students the importance and benefits of understanding and applying music theory.

For more information about GMTA’s Theory Achievement Program, including the theory curriculum, past tests, and answer keys,

please visit GMTA’s website at http://www.GeorgiaMTA.org, click on Student Activities, then scroll down to the Theory

section and click on GMTA Theory Tests.

INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT RESULTS NOTE: Results are listed alphabetically by members’ last names.

Student Teacher Local Association

OUTSTANDING THEORIST WITH HONORS (100%) Level 1 Ray Toma Martha Aguirre Columbus

Elli Park Patti Bennett Northeast GA

Logan Lin Diane Boyd, NCTM Savannah

Quinten Caliendo Grace Caudle, NCTM South Metro Atlanta

Katie Wright Grace Caudle, NCTM South Metro Atlanta

Sydney Lawson Nancy Claxton Macon

Aidan Bateman Donna Dasher, NCTM Savannah

Ian Hammett Donna Dasher, NCTM Savannah

Ammon Waite Donna Dasher, NCTM Savannah

Selene Zhao Donna Dasher, NCTM Savannah

Rachael Kim Donna Dasher, NCTM Savannah

Tanvisri Alluri Lisa Gaal, NCTM North Fulton

Ellen Chen Rwei Hao, NCTM North Fulton

Naomi Chen Rwei Hao, NCTM North Fulton

Tina Lin Rwei Hao, NCTM North Fulton

Arshiya Naidu Rwei Hao, NCTM North Fulton

Neil Nariani Rwei Hao, NCTM North Fulton

Nathaly Aburto Ruth Harris Athens

Solomon Armstrong-Mensah Kristi Helfen Decatur

Nichole Hodge Mary Katherine Morris, NCTM Columbus

Jazmyn McIntosh Mary Katherine Morris, NCTM Columbus

Ian Reese Trudi Norman Columbus

Jack Johnston Yumi Patterson, NCTM Gwinnett County

Emma Burnsworth Sarah Plyler Western GA

Michelle Chira Frances Thrailkill, NCTM Decatur

Rhianna Soto Gayle Vann North DeKalb

Jessica Ganji Gayle Vann North DeKalb

Level 2 Fiona Burnett Susan Andrews, NCTM Gwinnett County

Seyi Oguntunmibi Donna Dasher, NCTM Savannah

Ella Hammett Donna Dasher, NCTM Savannah

Continued

on page 9..

Sivamalai Chandrashekhar Rwei Hao, NCTM North Fulton

David Driskell Kristi Helfen Decatur

Audrey Albertson Robert Henry, NCTM Cobb County

Gene Gay Phyllis LaFon Coweta-Fayette

Abi Ivemeyer Yumi Patterson, NCTM Gwinnett County

Vineeth Krishnamurthy Frances Thrailkill, NCTM Decatur

Level 5 Evan Goode Pamela Martin, NCTM Decatur

OUTSTANDING THEORIST (90-99%) Level 1 James Cullison Jan Adams, NCTM Western GA

Destiny Ricks Martha Aguirre Columbus

Ian Allen Martha Aguirre Columbus

Lydia Clack Susan Andrews, NCTM Gwinnett County

Zadiyah Ash Susan Andrews, NCTM Gwinnett County

Orcellia Barret Sue Barnes, NCTM Greater Marietta

Noble Cusick Sue Barnes, NCTM Greater Marietta

Alvin Djoume Sue Barnes, NCTM Greater Marietta

Maddie Keith Lily Bowman Cherokee

Lauren Tripp Lily Bowman Cherokee

Olivia Winn Lily Bowman Cherokee

Mia Borkoski Diane Boyd, NCTM Savannah

Maya Carr Diane Boyd, NCTM Savannah

Sydney Phan Diane Boyd, NCTM Savannah

Dylan Klinghoffer Diane Boyd, NCTM Savannah

Makinna Faircloth Nancy Claxton Macon

Asher Lawson Nancy Claxton Macon

Anna Scott Bourassa Nancy Claxton Macon

Alayna Kamentz Donna Dasher, NCTM Savannah

David Hoffman Donna Dasher, NCTM Savannah

Nikki Yang Donna Dasher, NCTM Savannah

Ella-Grace Zingaro Donna Dasher, NCTM Savannah

Stephanie Kim Donna Dasher, NCTM Savannah

Rebecca Snyder Donna Dasher, NCTM Savannah

Sydney Juleus Donna Dasher, NCTM Savannah

Minakshi Shivananda Lisa Gaal, NCTM North Fulton

Emilee Tran Rwei Hao, NCTM North Fulton

William Tjokroamidjojo Rwei Hao, NCTM North Fulton

Maya Stricklang Ruth Harris Athens

Papa Aye-Addo Judy Hayes Western GA

Eva Simonetti Kristi Helfen Decatur

Kamau Muse Morris Kristi Helfen Decatur

Emily Most Kelli Horton Savannah

Isabelle Rovere Pamela Martin, NCTM Decatur

Rebecca Gemes Mary Katherine Morris, NCTM Columbus

Stanton Schorr Mary Katherine Morris, NCTM Columbus

Skylar Lewis Mary Katherine Morris, NCTM Columbus

Genesis Woods Mary Katherine Morris, NCTM Columbus

Caleigh Earls Trudi Norman Columbus

Sarah Beth Parker Trudi Norman Columbus

Mary Frances Dickson Trudi Norman Columbus

Lindsay Rice Trudi Norman Columbus

Katherine Gurno Cathy Sewell Greater Marietta

Fullerton Dale Cathy Sewell Greater Marietta

Madison Oliver Heather Turner, NCTM Columbus

Eva Lesciauskas Gayle Vann North DeKalb

Venecia Lai Gayle Vann North DeKalb

Evan Dong Gayle Vann North DeKalb

Continued

on page 10..

Level 2 Anna Naguszewski Jan Adams, NCTM Western GA

Eva Hobson Jan Adams, NCTM Western GA

Camille Jennings Jan Adams, NCTM Western GA

Cameron Berard Jan Adams, NCTM Western GA

Aubrey Wolf Aguirre Columbus

Rohan Chandrashekhar Martha Aguirre Columbus

Julisha Ritzpatrick Martha Aguirre Columbus

Azariah Panlilio Nancy Allred South Metro Atlanta

Asi Dimaculangan Nancy Allred South Metro Atlanta

Harrison Boone Susan Andrews, NCTM Gwinnett County

Esther Clack Susan Andrews, NCTM Gwinnett County

Amiel Djoume Sue Barnes, NCTM Greater Marietta

Madeline Cusick Sue Barnes, NCTM Greater Marietta

Luci Hodges Sue Barnes, NCTM Greater Marietta

Maggie Hodges Sue Barnes, NCTM Greater Marietta

Hayes Stewart Sylvia Beard, NCTM Northeast GA

Lexi Allen Lily Bowman Cherokee

Kayla Johnson Grace Caudle, NCTM South Metro Atlanta

Shinby Kim Seon Hee Cho North Fulton

Daniel Jung Seon Hee Cho North Fulton

Edward Cho Seon Hee Cho North Fulton

Sophie Toler Nancy Claxton Macon

Vaibhav Mishra Nancy Claxton Macon

Amy Li Donna Dasher, NCTM Savannah

McGregor Koenig Donna Dasher, NCTM Savannah

Nicholas Bradley Donna Dasher, NCTM Savannah

Savannah Everard Donna Dasher, NCTM Savannah

Muskaan Gupta Lois Finley, NCTM North DeKalb

Alyn Kosasi Lisa Gaal, NCTM North Fulton

Jocelyn Kosasi Lisa Gaal, NCTM North Fulton

Ria Peesapati Lisa Gaal, NCTM North Fulton

Kevin Yuan Rwei Hao, NCTM North Fulton

Reanna Rafiq Rwei Hao, NCTM North Fulton

Abhi Atluri Rwei Hao, NCTM North Fulton

Eric Lu Rwei Hao, NCTM North Fulton

J.C. Smith Judy Hayes Western GA

Robyn Essien Kristi Helfen Decatur

Amadi Muse Morris Kristi Helfen Decatur

Elana Becker Kristi Helfen Decatur

Keshav Sukirya Mijung Kim Gwinnett County

Demi Taveras Phyllis LaFon Coweta-Fayette

Jordan Summerlin LuAnnLatzanich, NCTM Coweta-Fayette

Mitchell Luebke LuAnnLatzanich, NCTM Coweta-Fayette

Catherine Gemmell Jean Mann, NCTM Gwinnett County

Madeline Shebs Jean Mann, NCTM Gwinnett County

Jina Kim Jean Mann, NCTM Gwinnett County

Daniel Kim Jean Mann, NCTM Gwinnett County

Lily Jordan Pamela Martin, NCTM Decatur

Lane Morgan Trudi Norman Columbus

Callie Rice Trudi Norman Columbus

Colton Redmond Trudi Norman Columbus

Maggie Simmons Yumi Patterson, NCTM Gwinnett County

Abbie Stewart Yumi Patterson, NCTM Gwinnett County

Chaewon Kim Yumi Patterson, NCTM Gwinnett County

Ryan Knight Sharon Reid Athens

Mia Titus Cathy Sewell Greater Marietta

Jack Jones Cathy Sewell Greater Marietta

Mark Toth Judy Thomas Northeast GA

Gary Gaur Judy Thomas Northeast GA

Continued

on page 11..

Jeremy Levin Frances Thrailkill, NCTM Decatur

Aidan Mitchell Frances Thrailkill, NCTM Decatur

Erin Lamberson Heather Turner, NCTM Columbus

Lindsay McGuire Heather Turner, NCTM Columbus

Lauren Brown Heather Turner, NCTM Columbus

Emilie Vu Gayle Vann North DeKalb

Lisa Van Ness Gayle Vann North DeKalb

Jane Lee Gayle Vann North DeKalb

Kyra Andrews Gayle Vann North DeKalb

Emma Dong Gayle Vann North DeKalb

Aidan Dealy Gayle Vann North DeKalb

Jacob Vann-Reifler Gayle Vann North DeKalb

Level 3 Susanna Seeman Jan Adams, NCTM Western GA

Caroline Jennings Jan Adams, NCTM Western GA

Anna Heaton Susan Andrews, NCTM Gwinnett County

Savannah Lang Sylvia Beard, NCTM Northeast GA

Rebecca Huang Lois Finley, NCTM North DeKalb

Liz Wong Lois Finley, NCTM North DeKalb

Annie Kong Lois Finley, NCTM North DeKalb

Carolyn Aufleger Lisa Gaal, NCTM North Fulton

Rebekah Gheorghies Lisa Gaal, NCTM North Fulton

Yumin Shivdasani Rwei Hao, NCTM North Fulton

Payal Fadnis Rwei Hao, NCTM North Fulton

Jonathan Xue Robert Henry, NCTM Cobb County

Kunling Tong Robert Henry, NCTM Cobb County

Hannah Todd Jacquelyn Hutson Greater Marietta

David Hunt Jacquelyn Hutson Greater Marietta

Jinsun Kim Jean Mann, NCTM Gwinnett County

Robin Tucker Pamela Martin, NCTM Decatur

Aditi Arunmozhi Michelle Peck Gwinnett County

Grace Rowell Nancy Riley Athens

Audrey White Frances Thrailkill, NCTM Decatur

Daniel Settles Frances Thrailkill, NCTM Decatur

Level 4 Anna Clack Susan Andrews, NCTM Gwinnett County

Catherine Landers Susan Andrews, NCTM Gwinnett County

Catherine Baron Susan Andrews, NCTM Gwinnett County

Sarah Burgess Lily Bowman Cherokee

Jesse Caswell Aurelia Campbell, NCTM Northeast GA

Jesse Smith Nancy Claxton Macon

Judy Li Lois Finley, NCTM North DeKalb

Connie Xiao Lois Finley, NCTM North DeKalb

Sarah Cox Lois Finley, NCTM North DeKalb

Isaiah McCrina Judy Hayes Western GA

Anna Danek Jacquelyn Hutson Greater Marietta

William Hunt Jacquelyn Hutson Greater Marietta

Kevin Liow LuAnnLatzanich, NCTM Coweta-Fayette

Michelle Pi Sarah Moore Augusta

Yifan Liang Jeannine Morrison, NCTM Decatur

Liam McBane Frances Thrailkill, NCTM Decatur

Robert Jeon Soohyun Yun, NCTM Cobb County

Level 5 Andrew Royek Diane Boyd, NCTM Savannah

Loren Tsang Lois Finley, NCTM North DeKalb

Jennifer Zou Lois Finley, NCTM North DeKalb

Aomeng Cui Lois Finley, NCTM North DeKalb

Continued

on page 12..

Patrick Li Lois Finley, NCTM North DeKalb

Carson Collins Gayle Vann North DeKalb

Sean Zhong Gayle Vann North DeKalb

Katherine Bell Gayle Vann North DeKalb

EXCELLENCE IN THEORY (80-89%) Level 1 Mason Stuart Martha Aguirre Columbus

Nathan Rivera LuAnnLatzanich, NCTM Coweta-Fayette

Joseph Dawson Julie Massey Columbus

Sophia Wells Mary Katherine Morris, NCTM Columbus

Level 2 Evan Barrett Sue Barnes, NCTM Greater Marietta

Johnny Misley Sylvia Beard, NCTM Northeast GA

Sydney Cardwell Julie Massey Columbus

Hannah Lewis Mary Katherine Morris, NCTM Columbus

Olivia Parker Trudi Norman Columbus

Aanya Sharma Yumi Patterson, NCTM Gwinnett County

Ashton Hendricks Heather Petero Western GA

Keren Palma Sharon Reid Athens

Luke Gunter Cathy Sewell Greater Marietta

Isabelle Coleman Heather Turner, NCTM Columbus

Level 3 Marie Blackmar Lily Bowman Cherokee

Emily Perry Diane Boyd, NCTM Savannah

Katie Bell Bourassa Nancy Claxton Macon

Caleb Everard Donna Dasher, NCTM Savannah

Sophia Tran Rwei Hao, NCTM North Fulton

Srarya Ambadipudi Rwei Hao, NCTM North Fulton

Qilin Tong Robert Henry, NCTM Cobb County

Joe Hassenplug Barbara Korzan, NCTM Columbus

Erica Tang Phyllis LaFon Coweta-Fayette

David Han Nancy Riley Athens

Alex Mitchell Frances Thrailkill, NCTM Decatur

Shea Crider Soohyun Yun, NCTM Cobb County

Grace Li Soohyun Yun, NCTM Cobb County

Level 4

Sohan Shankar Martha Aguirre Columbus

Caroline Li Lois Finley, NCTM North DeKalb

Anna Hu Lois Finley, NCTM North DeKalb

Teagan Mathur Lois Finley, NCTM North DeKalb

Alex Kong Lois Finley, NCTM North DeKalb

Renee Lu Lois Finley, NCTM North DeKalb

Natalie Dutton Lisa Gaal, NCTM North Fulton

Vincent Wu Rwei Hao, NCTM North Fulton

Andrea Hill Ruth Harris Athens

David King Kristi Helfen Decatur

Andrew Rector Phyllis LaFon Coweta-Fayette

Carly Schnable Phyllis LaFon Coweta-Fayette

Caleb Sides Jean Mann, NCTM Gwinnett County

Erik Park Jean Mann, NCTM Gwinnett County

David Wang Marissa Woodall, NCTM Cherokee

Level 5 Alayna Panlilio Nancy Allred South Metro Atlanta

Anna Levine Lois Finley, NCTM North DeKalb

Chatur Shivananda Lisa Gaal, NCTM North Fulton

Ashli Alexander Phyllis LaFon Coweta-Fayette

Continued

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Anna Huntington Gayle Vann North DeKalb

Candice Lee Gayle Vann North DeKalb

ACHIEVEMENT IN THEORY (70-79%) Level 1 Lily Cincola Lily Bowman Cherokee

Level 2 Jordyn Dawson Julie Massey Columbus

Siya Daya Cathy Sewell Greater Marietta

Level 3 Seun Oguntunmibi Donna Dasher, NCTM Savannah

Zachary Hill Ruth Harris Athens

Shaozi Wu Robert Henry, NCTM Cobb County

Anna Khan Barbara Korzan, NCTM Columbus

Davis House Jeannine Morrison, NCTM Decatur

Margaret Groover Jeannine Morrison, NCTM Decatur

Allison McDaniel Trudi Norman Columbus

Level 4 Claire Lee Seon Hee Cho North Fulton

Steven Robinson Ellen Feibish, NCTM Decatur

Maxwell Schneider Jeannine Morrison, NCTM Decatur

Laurelyn Ostrowidzki Marissa Woodall, NCTM Cherokee

Nick Ladue Soohyun Yun, NCTM Cobb County

Level 5 Elizabeth Smith Susan Andrews, NCTM Gwinnett County

MTNA Competitions

Carol Payne, NCTM, Vice President, MTNA Competitions 14

The stage is set for the competitions to be held the weekend of Oct. 29 – Nov. 1. We will be hosted by Clayton State University

again this year. Michael Osment, Facilities Director of Spivey Hall, has been asked about the possibility of using the world-

famous hall for one of the competitions.

Several of our students received honors at the Southern Division and National Competitions:

High school student Luka Marinkovic, student of Jeannine Morrison, won the Southern Division, and subsequently was

awarded Second Place in the National Senior Composition Competition for his piano composition.

Gabriel Pique, saxophonist, and student of Connie Frigo at UGA won the Southern Division Young Artist Woodwinds

Competition.

Gabriel Pique, Michael Turner, Brandon Quarles and Shawna Pennock, members of “Milk,” a Woodwinds Chamber

Ensemble from UGA, won the Southern Division Chamber Music, Woodwinds Competition. Connie Frigo is the teacher/

coach of “Milk.”

The Columbus String Quartet, taught/coached by Sergiu Schwarz, and comprised of Sophie Wang, McClaran Hayes, Mario

Rivera and John Rogler, won the Southern Division Young Artist Chamber Music Strings, and subsequently was awarded

Second Place in the National Young Artist Chamber Music, Strings Competition.

The GMTA Piano Judges List has been renamed “GMTA Judges List”. Judges of instruments other than piano may apply for

inclusion on the list. The applications process will be the same as for the piano judges. Interested persons should apply using the

application forms on the GMTA website.

The GMTA Piano Judges List has been renamed “GMTA Judges List”. Judges of instruments other than piano may apply for

inclusion on the list. The applications process will be the same as for the piano judges. Interested persons should apply using

the application forms on the GMTA website.

Yumi Patterson, GMTA Judges List Chair GMTA Judges List

15

The 2015 GMTA State Auditions were held on April 11 and April 18 at the University of Georgia, Hugh Hodgson School of

Music. GMTA Auditions Staff would like to extend our gratitude to the Hugh Hodgson School of Music for allowing us the use

of its facilities for the GMTA Auditions.

The following categories were represented:

• Pre-College Piano, Grades 4-11 – 469 Region Participants; 185 State Participants Grade 12 – 39 Participants

•High School Piano Concerto – 13 Participants

•College Piano – 28 Participants

•High School and College Voice – 16 Participants

•Strings/Guitar, K-College – 65 Participants

•Brass and Woodwinds –0 Participants

•Instrumental Concerto – 20 Participants

Theory – 272 Participants

We had a total of 835 students and 160 teachers participating this year. Congratulations to all students and teachers!

PIANO DIVISION

Grade 4 - Dr. Elena Cholakova, Chair Award: Conference Recitalist

Susan Meng Anne Sun Atlanta

Award: 1st Alternate

Ethan Liu Ping-yun Hsu Cobb

Award: 2nd Alternate

Kelley Lu Ping Xu North DeKalb

Award: Award of Excellence

Caroline Malcom Anne Sun Atlanta

Zhu-Yun Wei Hwee Boon Ng Atlanta

Yunjie Zhang Wen Zao Chen North DeKalb

Cody Wang Ping-yun Hsu Cobb

Award: Honorable Mention

Richard Wang Carol Payne South Metro Atlanta

Richard Xu Elena Cholakova North DeKalb

Kyra Andrews Gayle Vann North DeKalb

Anna Li Anne Sun Greater Marietta

Grade 5 - Dr. Elena Cholakova, Chair Award: Conference Recitalist

Carey Byron Elena Cholakova Atlanta

Award: 1st Alternate

Grace Peng Elena Cholakova North DeKalb

GMTA Auditions Results Cathy Thacker, NCTM, VP GMTA Auditions

Continued

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page 16

Award: 2nd Alternate

Katherine Yang Elena Cholakova Athens

Award: Award of Excellence

Amy Huang Anne Sun Greater Marietta

Kimberly Shen Ping Xu North DeKalb

Daniel Pan Ping Xu North Fulton

Mina Lim Jee Eun Wada North Fulton

Award: Honorable Mention

Daniel Kim Jean Mann Gwinnett

Henry Ren Hyangbin Choi Augusta

Catherine Gemmel Jean Mann Gwinnett

Kunling Tong Robert Henry Cobb

Grade 6 - Rwei Hao, NCTM, Chair Award: Conference Recitalist

Sarah Lao Anne Sun Atlanta

Award: Master Class

Charles Li Clara Park Augusta

Award: 1st Alternate

Daniel Shen Keli Xu North Fulton

Award: 2nd Alternate

Emily Zhao Anne Sun Atlanta

Award: Award of Excellence

Robert Jeon Soohyun Yun Cobb

Nicholas Ge Ping-yun Hsu Cobb

Award: Honorable Mention

Rebecca Wu Ping-yun Hsu Cobb

Aaron Wei Miao-Fen Lin North DeKalb

Grade 7 - Rwei Hao, NCTM, Chair Award: Conference Recitalist

Julia Li Elena Cholakova North DeKalb

Award: Master Class

Charlie Liu Lena Zuiff North Fulton

Award: 1st Alternate

Kevin Chen Anne Sun Atlanta

Award: 2nd Alternate

Ryan Yang Joseph Hokayem Athens

Award: Award of Excellence

Catherine Shih Elena Cholakova Atlanta

Gabriella Kogan Elena Cholakova Athens

Award: Honorable Mention

Shirin Dinasan Shu-Ling Chen North Fulton

Vivia Lung Anne Sun Atlanta

Grade 8 - Susan Andrews, NCTM, Chair Award: Conference Recitalist

Helen Bryant Alex Wasserman Cobb

Award: Master Class

Yannie Tan Alexander Kobrin Columbus

Continued

on

page 17

Award: 1st Alternate

Isabella Pu Nancy Elton Atlanta

Award: 2nd Alternate

Yuy Hsiang Anne Sun Atlanta

Award: Award of Excellence

Evonne Iau Hwee Boon Ng Atlanta

Emily Guo Anne Sun North DeKalb

Moses Wang Joseph Hokayem Athens

Renee Lu Lois Finlay North DeKalb

Award: Honorable Mention

Grace Xu Ping Xu North DeKalb

Grace Yu Ping Xu North Fulton

Nicholas Hong Ping Xu North DeKalb

Maxwell Ahola Davide Palmer Cherokee

Grade 9 - Susan Andrews, NCTM, Chair Award: Conference Recitalist

Grace Wei Ping Xu North Dekalb

Award: Master Class #1

Michael Roman Stephanie Freeman Gwinnett

Award: Master Class #2

Stephanie Zhang Elena Cholakova Atlanta

Award: 1st Alternate

Melody Wang Hsin-Lan Chien Cobb

Award: 2nd Alternate

Ruby Lee Anne Sun Atlanta

Award: Outstanding Performer

Joshua Li Ping Xu North Fulton

Daisy Zhou Ping Xu North DeKalb

Award: Award of Excellence

Joshua Anderson Davide Palmer Cherokee

Christine Yang Elena Cholakova Athens

Irena Wang Anna Arshavskaya Decatur

Ansley Tiarn Anne Sun Greater Marietta

Award: Honorable Mention

Lucas Kuan Anne Sun Greater Marietta

Benjamin Chin Anne Sun Atlanta

Ethan Widjaja Jee Eun Wada North Fulton

Loren Tsang Lois Finlay North DeKalb

Hsin-Ling Chen Hsin-Lan Chien Greater Marietta

Richard Xie Elena Cholakova Athens

Matthew Kim Mijung Kim Gwinnett

Grade 10 - Diane Boyd, NCTM, Chair ward: Conference Recitalist

Shaozi Wu Robert Henry Cobb

Award: Master Class #1

Anthony Zhang Anne Sun Atlanta

Award: Master Class #2

Nathan Wu Robert Henry Cobb

Continued

on

page 18

Award: 1st Alternate

Ethan Shen Keli Xu North Fulton

Award: 2nd Alternate

Raymond Zhu Frances Yao North DeKalb

Award: Outstanding Performer

Felicia Guo Elena Cholakova North DeKalb

Award: Award of Excellence

Julie Xiang Ping Xu North Fulton

Lauren Chen Jonathan Klein Athens

Laura Zhang Ping-yun Hsu Cobb

Eric Park Jean Mann Gwinnett

Award: Honorable Mention

Linsey Chen Jonathan Klein Athens

Timothy Wang Ping-yun Hsu Cobb

Rachel Liu William Ransom Decatur

Charles Tortorete Claudia Theise Golden Isles

Grade 11 - Diane Boyd, NCTM, Chair Award: Conference Recitalist

Laura Street Nancy Elton Atlanta

Award: Master Class #1

John Hideto Mori Edith Schiff Atlanta

Award: Master Class #2

David Zhao Elena Cholakova Atlanta

Award: 1st Alternate

Richard Pei Ping Xu North DeKalb

Award: 2nd Alternate

Richard Red Anne Sun Atlanta

Award: Award of Excellence

Jennifer Zou Lois Finlay North DeKalb

Elaine Liu Huu Mai Cobb

Aly Soriano David Watkins Cobb

Award: Honorable Mention

Connie Xiao Lois Finlay North DeKalb

Mia Pattillo Elena Cholakova Athens

Alice Tang Ping Xu North DeKalb

Grade 12 - Lisa Gaal, NCTM, Chair Award: Senior Cash Award - Tie

Dain Song Lois Finlay North DeKalb

Catherine Xie Ping Xu North DeKalb

Award: Outstanding Performer

Hannah Dubuc Susan Naylor Cherokee

Alex Tchaykov Inna Satunovsky South Metro Atlanta

Ben Perri Robert Henry Cobb

Joshua Shue Hwee Boon Ng North Fulton

Carter Culwell Jan Adams West Georgia

Award: Award of Excellence

Ryan Chen Keiko Ransom Decatur

Tim Huang Joseph Hokayem Athens

Christopher Sun Gang Yao North Fulton

Continued

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page 19

Barret Ham Susan McDuffie Macon

Sophie Li Clara Park Augusta

Haidee Chen Joseph Hokayem Athens

Award: Honorable Mention

Hannah Kemelmakher Alice Kobylivker Greater Marietta

Cindy Nguyen Debra Hughes Gwinnett

Foster Simmons Marissa Woodall Cherokee

Imsun Lee Inna Satunovsky South Metro Atlanta

Forest Kirkland Edith Sweatman Augusta

Mary Ann Nichols Claudia Theise Golden Isles

Helen Chen Joseph Hokayem Athens

Wesley Cheung Lois Finlay North DeKalb

Piano Concerto - Lisa Gaal, NCTM, Chair Award: Concerto Winner

Judy Li Lois Finlay North DeKalb

Award: 1st Alternate

John Hideto Mori Edith Schiff Atlanta

Award: 2nd Alternate

Laura Street Nancy Elton Atlanta

Award: Award of Excellence

David Zhao Elena Cholakova Atlanta

Aly Soriano David Watkins Cobb

Award: Honorable Mention

Kelsey Yao Vera Soukhojak North DeKalb

Aomeng Cui Lois Finlay North DeKalb

Continued

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College Piano - Joanna Kim Doyle, NCTM, Chair LOWER COLLEGE PIANO OP-Conference Recitalist: David Dang, student of Richard Zimdars

OP-1st Alternate: Karina Chan, student of Kristi Helfen

AE: Meitan Lu, student of Geoffrey Haydon

HM: Michael Dubuc, student of Susan Naylor

MIDDLE COLLEGE PIANO: OP-Conference Recitalist: Anna Vertypolokh, student of Alexander Kobrin

OP-1st Alternate: Vicorie C. Brown, student of Lyle Indergaard

OP-2nd Alternate: Soyoun Sheehan, student of Soohyun Yun

AE: Katherine Kemp, student of Susan Naylor

AE: Beth Anne Ake, student of Robert Henry

AE: Yiwen Zhang, student of Chenny Gan

HM: Yun Chen, student of Chenny Gan

HM: Emma Lin, student of Richard Zimdars

UPPER COLLEGE PIANO OP-Conference Recitalist : Logvinyuk Ekaterina, student of Alexander Kobrin

OP-1st Alternate: Ksenia Kurenysheva, student of Alexander Kobrin

AE: Zhirui Zhou, student of Alexander Kobrin

HM: Yuyoung Park, student of Geoffrey Haydon

HM: Wei Huang, student of Alexander Kobrin

HM: Danielle Duncan, student of Alexander Kobrin

Continued

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page 21

VOICE DIVISION - Dr. Pat Callaway, NCTM, Chair

VOICE – 10TH GRADE OP-1st Alternate: Alissa Benkowski, student of Stephanie Tingler

OP-2nd Alternate: Claire Reticker, student of Frances Richards

VOICE – 11TH GRADE OP-Conference Recitalist: Katie Tiemeyer, student of Rebekah Healan

OP-1st Alternate: Tess Denniss, student of Frances Richards

OP-2nd Alternate: Cristina Bleacher, student of Frances Richards

INSTRUMENTAL DIVISION

Instrumental Concerto - Debra Hughes, NCTM, Chair OP-Conference Recitalist: Andrew Koonce, student of Sonja Foster

OP-1st Alternate: Phoebe Liu, student of Sonja Foster

OP-2nd Alternate: James Kang, student of Marilyn Seelman

OP-3rd Alternate: Rebekah Willard, student of Sonja Foster

AE: Robin Yang, student of Eun Jeong Lim

AE: Anna Hu, student of Que Yang

AE: John Kang, student of Martin Gueorguiev

AE: Joo Young Maya Kang, student of Sonja Foster

HM: Alex Choi, student of Eun Jeong Lim

HM: Yueci Grace Chen, student of William Pu

HM: Nina Youn, student of Mirna Ogrizovic

HM: Zoe Lo, student of Sonja Foster

HM: Faith West, student of Valerie Gardner

HM: Annie Su, student of William Pu

Continued

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page 22

VOICE – 12TH GRADE OP-Cash Award: Sevda Arjomand, student of Frances Richards

OP: Linseigh Green, student of Frances Richards

VOICE – MIDDLE COLLEGE OP-Conference Recitalist: Christopher Robin Sapp,

student of Stephanie Tingler

OP-1st Alternate: David Miller, student of Stephanie Tingler

UPPER COLLEGE GUITAR OP-Conference Recitalist: Corey Flowers, student of Philip

Snyder

MIDDLE COLLEGE GUITAR OP-Conference Recitalist: Andy Mines, student of Philip

Snyder

OP-1st Alternate: Ben Maoss, student of Philip Snyder

LOWER COLLEGE GUITAR OP-Conference Recitalist: Mitchell Powers, student of Philip

Snyder

OP-1st Alternate: Joshua Parks, student of Philip Snyder

Strings - Anne Sun, Chair

STRINGS : GRADES 2-3 OP-Conference Recitalist: Eugenie Lim, student of Sonja Foster

OP-1st Alternate: Anna Willard, student of Martha Gerschefski

AE: Jayden H. Lee, student of Martin Gueorguiev

HM: Hynnbin Moon, student of Mirna Ogrizovic

STRINGS: GRADES 4-5 OP-Conference Recitalist: Tobias Liu, student of Sonja Foster

OP-1st Alternate: Katherine Kim, student of Sonja Foster

OP-2nd Alternate: John Mark Willard, student of Sonja Foster

AE: Elly Kim, student of Martin Gueorguiev

AE: Dean Kim, student of Martin Gueorguiev

AE: Peter Chen, student of Martin Gueorguiev

AE: Hannah Yi, student of Martin Gueorguiev

HM: Sandhya Li Nayar, student of Mimi Tam

STRINGS: GRADES 6-7 OP-Conference Recitalist: Jennifer Deng, student of Que Yang

OP-1st Alternate: Rebekah Willard, student of Sonja Foster

OP-2nd Alternate: Patrick Kim, student of Martin Gueorguiev

AE: Eunice Chen, student of Mirna Ogrizovic

AE: Erin Kong, student of Mirna Ogrizovic

AE: Christina Jeong, student of martin Gueorguiev

HM: Sophie Chan, student of Mimi Tam

HM: Vivia Lung, student of Mimi Tam

STRINGS:GRADES 8-9 OP-Conference Recitalist: Dohyuk Sean Young, student of Valerie Gardner

OP-1st Alternate: Kevin Kim, student of Mirna Ogrizovic

OP-2nd Alternate: Joo Young Maya Kang, student of Sonja Foster

AE: Serena Gao, student of William Pu

AE: Nina Youn, student of Mirna Ogrizovic

AE: John Kang, student of Martin Gueorguiev

HM: Zoe Lo, student of Sonja Foster

HM: Yueci Grace Chen, student of William Pu

STRINGS: GRADES 10-11 OP-Conference Recitalist: Andrew Koonce, student of Sonja Foster

OP-1st Alternate: Faith West, student of Valerie Gardner

OP-2nd Alternate: James Kang, student of Marilyn Seelman

AE: Kyle Qian, student of William Pu

HM: Annie Su, student of William Pu

HM: Sarah Jang, student of Martin Gueorguiev

STRINGS: GRADE 12 OP- Cash Award: Christopher Yu, student of Martha Gerschefski

15 GMTA TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Rebekah Healan, GMTA President-Elect and GMTA TOY Chair 23

The GMTA Teacher of the Year Award is presented annually to a member of GMTA in recognition of lifetime achievement as

a music teacher, with excellence in teaching, musicianship, professional activity, and service to the community and/or state.

Any GMTA association or member may nominate any other GMTA member for the Teacher of the Year. The GMTA Teacher

of the Year will be selected from nominated applicants and entered in the MTNA Teacher of the Year competition.

The online submission form will require following information or uploaded documents:

http://www.georgiamta.org/memberResources-teacherOfTheYearApp.php

Teaching/professional achievement

Number of years of teaching experience

Evidence of teaching excellence (i.e. students’ successes)

Accomplishments/contributions to MTNA

Participation in Local, State and/or National MTNA programs

Community involvement

Former student and/or parent letter of support (upload document)

Professional colleague letter of support (upload document)

Nominations will need to be submitted online by Monday, September 14, 2015. The winner will be acknowledged at the 2015

GMTA Conference Banquet. With so many fine teachers in Georgia, please consider nominating one of your favorites.

For a list of past Teachers of the Year and to read their Teaching Tips go to:

http://www.georgiamta.org/memberHonors-TOTY.php

Armstrong Atlantic State University: Page 21 Atlanta MTA: Page 3 Brenau: Page 33 Clayton State University: Page 19 Columbus State University: Page 30 Gwinnett County MTA: Page 22 Kennesaw State University: Page 7 Music Teachers Helper: Page 22 North DeKalb MTA: Page 3

North Fulton MTA: Page 32 Reinhardt University: Page 13 Savannah MTA: Page 22 Shorter University: Page 30 Steinway Piano Galleries: Page 22 University of Georgia: Page 32 University of West Georgia: Page 20 Young Harris College: Page 25

Advertisement Index

We are excited to announce that our website is now considered mobile-friendly! By making this update, it is now much easier to view our website on mobile devices without the need to zoom in and scroll horizontally. Google is also giving a boost in search ratings to websites that are considered mobile-friendly, which may lead more people to visit our website. www.georgiamta.org

15 GMTA AWARD FUNDS

Heather Turner, NCTM, GMTA Awards Chair

24

Congratulations to the students who received an award from the GMTA Composition Fund in 2014 : Emilie Vu, Brandon

Dicks, and Luka Marinkovic. We would also like to congratulate Yannie Tan, winner of the 2014 Junior Piano Performance

Competition. Yannie received an award from the Broadhurst Fund.

Many thanks to the individuals and Local Associations of GMTA who supported the Award Funds during the past few

months. Since the beginning of the school year, $960 has been donated to the awards funds including the money raised from

raffling the gift baskets at our conference last November! What a wonderful way to support our students and encourage their

creativity and musicianship! Please help us continue to provide this support by donating a gift basket for the 2015 conference.

If your Local Association would like to participate in the raffle, or if you have any questions about the Award Funds, please

contact me at high_meadows_farm@yahoo.com.

GMTA has three Award Funds:

The “GMTA Composition Award Fund” was established in 1987 and initially funded by beloved GMTA member Betty

Nolting. It is given at the GMTA Conference each year to first-place winners in the MTNA Student Composition Competitions

for the state-level competitions in each age category.

The “GMTA Broadhurst Fund”, established in 1992 by the Broadhurst family in commemoration of Joan Broadhurst, goes to

the MTNA Junior Performance Competition winner of the state-level competition. It is also presented at the GMTA conference.

The “GMTA Award Fund” includes honorary and memorial gifts and is awarded at the discretion of the GMTA Finance and

Advisory Committee. Donations not made to a specific fund go into this fund.

The 28th annual Arts Advocacy Day was held in Washington, D.C. on March 23 & 24. This event brings together a broad cross

section of America's cultural and civic organizations, along with grassroots advocates. The ambition of Arts Advocacy Day is to

accentuate the relevance of establishing public policies and appropriating increased public funding for the arts.

Activities this year included an orientation, advocacy training, legislature and political updates, and a briefing on the National

Endowment for the Arts, Arts in Education Programs, and Charitable Giving.

Each year, attendees are inspired by lectures intended to stimulate dialogue on policy and social issues affecting the arts. This

year Norman Lear gave a moving lecture to a sold-out crowd, and the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra added inspiring

musical performances to the program.

As music educators, we are compelled to be aware of issues affecting music at the local and state levels. Discuss these issues

with your elected officials and strive to provoke change. We are the voice that can affect future generations for arts

preservation!

GMTA's Georgia's Own

The Georgia's Own webpage has received a makeover! I am most grateful to Tom Pearsall for sharing his creative vision and

for his efforts on the project before passing on the project to me.

In addition to the current listing of members willing to make presentations, three additional GMTA members have been added to

the list. There are four additional members who are interested in being added to the list. Information is being gathered to

finalize these new additions. Check back often.

ARTS AWARENESS & ADVOCACY Debra Murphy, GMTA AA&A Chair

In 2015-2016, GMTA active members may apply for $400 grants for teacher professional development and student music

instruction. These grants are being provided by Steinway Piano Galleries and GMTA. GMTA will also be accepting

applications from collegiate members for grants to go toward tuition, conferences, or other music events. General information

regarding the grants is below. Additional information can be found our website (www.georgiamta.org).

Number of Grants

Steinway Piano Galleries will award four $400 Steinway Piano Galleries Music Educator Grants. Of these four grants, one will

be awarded to the 2015 GMTA/MTNA Competitions Young Artist Piano Performance Winner, and one will be awarded to the

High School Senior Piano Winner from the 2016 GMTA Spring Auditions. GMTA will award four $400 GMTA Grants.

Applications

Steinway Piano Galleries will email the applications for the Steinway Piano Galleries Music Educator Grants directly to GMTA

active members.

The application for the GMTA Grants is available on the GMTA website (www.georgiamta.org). GMTA active members may

apply for both grants; however, a member may receive only one grant.

Applications Deadline

The application deadline for both the Steinway Piano Galleries Music Educator Grants and the GMTA Grants is Monday,

September 14, 2015 (always the 2nd Monday in September).

Awarding of the Grants

Seven of the eight grants will be awarded at the 2015 GMTA Conference November 5-7 at Agnes Scott College. The remaining

grant will be awarded to the High School Senior Piano Winner from the 2016 GMTA Auditions.

2015 STEINWAY PIANO GALLERIES MUSIC EDUCATOR

GRANTS AND GMTA GRANTS 25

Mandy Reynolds graduated from Gainesville State College in December 2009 with a Bachelor of

Early Childhood Education. Following graduation, Mandy obtained a Master of Elementary Math

Education from Western Governors University while serving as a full-time kindergarten teacher at

Kennedy Elementary School in Winder, Georgia. During her teaching career Mandy served as the

kindergarten representative for the school leadership team.

In 2013, Mandy left her teaching position to become a stay-at-home mother to her first child,

Brayden. In addition to the everyday activities associated with raising a child, Mandy has stayed

busy and involved by becoming more active in her church and local mommy groups. Mandy was

hired as the Interim Executive Director of GMTA in September of 2014. In December, Mandy was

offered the permanent position of GMTA Executive Director. She looks forward to many

successful years with GMTA.

As many GMTA members know, Mandy is the daughter of Donna Lee, GMTA’s past Executive Director. Since leaving

GMTA, Donna has completed a Master of Nursing Education degree and is working full time as a trauma educator at

Northeast Georgia Medical Center. She is doing great and enjoying her new job, but also misses working with GMTA.

SPOTLIGHT ON GMTA’S NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

MANDY REYNOLDS 26

Here is a sample of how some GMTA members played hooky while in Las Vegas at the MTNA Conference. Aurelia Campbell & Martha Thomas

Gwinnett County MTA Debra Hughes, NCTM, Past President

GCMTA meetings each month feature a quality teaching program to help us become better music teachers! This year our

programs featured a piano duet concert by two GCMTA members; meeting the needs of special needs students; Dalcroze

Eurhythmics; a master class by Lois Finlay and a program on improvisation. There was also a discussion on how to improve

our studio management. Music Day in November is an evaluation festival in which the outstanding performances in each grade

level are awarded cash prizes. In our December fundraiser, students are given the opportunity to perform on the Steinway piano

at a local electronics store. We hold three Federated Festivals in which the high school piano students compete for scholarship

awards. Awards are also presented to the outstanding strings, vocal and woodwind students. The Junior/Senior Scholarship

Competition is held in March. Four students are recipients of $2000 in scholarship awards. In April, we held our Ensemble

Extravaganza and at our May luncheon Jean Mann was honored as the 2015 GCMTA Teacher of the Year.

This year GCMTA formed an Advisory Committee which wrote a Procedural Manual and revised our by-laws. We have

assigned mentors for new members and have printed up business cards and membership brochures to give to prospective

members. GCMTA offers on-line festival registration and the password-protected on-line membership directory.

In May we installed a new President, Treasurer and Executive Board. It has been a great pleasure to serve as President these past

two years with Gwinnett County Music Teachers Association where we encourage and build up each other, our students and our

organization.

Columbus MTA Martha Aguirre, President

Hi, everyone. I'm so excited about what is happening in Columbus. I'd be happy to share with any or all of you what we are

doing. So far, we have exactly one (1) new member, but there are several who are on the horizon, and we hope to pull them in

within the next few weeks. The synopsis of what we are doing is: 1. Every member is challenged to connect with someone they know that is involved in teaching. 2. We have gone to older records to re-connect with members who have lapsed. 3. We are each brainstorming about people who know people who know people (music stores, retired school teachers, church

musicians, etc.) 4. Our calendar is fuller than it has been in a long time. We have guest speakers coming in June and July for professional

development. Then in August we are having our welcome tea with a LONG list of invitees (see above). At our tea we also plan

to recognize members who have been with MTNA for more than 30 years. Even in our small community, I think we are looking

at 5 or more members. 5. We have revised our Constitution and Bylaws, and one thing we decided on was that the membership chairman is responsible

for keeping records, and alerting us to new members, etc., but we are doing an informal mentoring program to hook new

members up to established members (notice I did not say "old" members:) for contacting and involving them in our association. 6. In the bigger picture (not so much immediately) we are reaching out to our university membership and graduate programs. 7. Last week we had a 6 hour "mini-retreat" to revise our Constitution and Bylaws. We threw in some entertainment and lots of

food, and accomplished everything we set out to do! Including creating our slate of officers, voting in those positions (most of

them repeats of last year), and creating job descriptions for every position. Whew!

North Fulton MTA Ashley Craig-Diaz, NCTM, President

North Fulton MTA had a very engaging and inspiring year with clinicians such as Dr. Sergio Gallo, Dr. Priscilla Jefcoat and Mr.

Keith Jefcoat, Mr. George Mann, Ms. Hyorim Lee, Dr. David Watkins, and Mrs. Paula Wamsley. In October, students of

NFMTA members had the opportunity to participate in a master class and one-on-one lessons with Mr. Dennis Alexander.

In addition to Mr. Alexander’s master class, students had many performance opportunities throughout the year, starting in

November with the NFMTA Fall Festival, December’s Celebrate with Music at North Point Mall, and local Spring Auditions.

Students shone at NFMTA’s Student Spotlight Recital, where teacher’s top students were selected to perform for a public

audience.

LOCAL ASSOCIATION REPORTS 27

Cobb County MTA Huu Mai, President

The Cobb County Music Teachers Association enjoyed a year of inspirational programs and ever evolving events. Dr. Jerico

Vasquez presented a program on building technique, Dr. Joy Song shared her innovated use of icon stickers, and Dr. Joanna

Kim-Doyle inspired us with a program on collaborative playing. As is our tradition, our March program featured CCMTA

scholarship recipients from the Kennesaw State University School of Music organized by our own Dr. Soohyun Yun. Through

the efforts of our Local Auditions Chair, Dr. Hsin-Lan Chien and her husband, we were able to conduct our Local Auditions

Registration entirely online. In December, CCMTA joined Greater Marietta MTA and Cherokee MTA in our annual Pianothon

event held in Town Center Mall. The CCMTA is looking forward to collaborating with the Atlanta MTA on a master class

featuring Dr. Robert Henry of Kennesaw State University early next year.

Coweta-Fayette MTA Annette Day, NCTM, President

Coweta-Fayette MTA has had a very active year, focusing equally on student activities and continuing teacher education. Fall

activities included our annual Sonata/Sonatina Festival, which featured 4 one-hour recitals and involved more than 60 students.

Teacher programs included our own Inna Satunovsky sharing from her years of playing and teaching experience, first in the

Soviet Union, and for the past 20 years in Georgia. Another meeting was an enlightening teacher symposium on the topic of

sight-reading.

The year 2015 was inaugurated with a rich program on Collaborative Piano, presented by David D’Ambrosio. In February,

Mary Walker presented a lively program on Favorite Pieces to Teach After Level 3. This was followed by a covered dish lunch

and afforded extra Q and A time with Mary.

In March, very large number of our students participated in the NFMC Festival held in Peachtree City.

Others took part in the local auditions and GMTA theory Exams. Our Spring Honors Recital was a celebration of many of our

young musicians’ success. The recital showcased our CFMTA Annual Jr./Sr. Scholarship winner and the Excellence in Artistry

winners. It was inspiring to hear each others’ students at their best!

We will finish the year with a luncheon to install new officers on May 9.

Decatur MTA Jane Frackenpohl, President & Charles Hutton, President-Elect

The Decatur Music Teachers Association opened our 2014-15 programs with our very own DMTA member, Dr. Sergio Gallo,

Professor of Piano Performance and Pedagogy, Georgia State University, performing works from his recent recordings for the

Naxos label by Adolf von Henselt and also Liszt Transcriptions of Meyerbeer.

In November, we held our annual Fall Music Fest where students of all ages, levels, and abilities have an opportunity to perform

two compositions, along with scales and cadences, in one or more of these categories: SOLO, DUET, and/or ORIGINAL

COMPOSITION. Students receive a rating and detailed comment sheet plus an opportunity to receive one of three cash prizes

with our Musical Artistry Awards. Next year we are adding a sightreading component to the event.

On February 8, we held our biennial Piano Ensemble Extravaganza Concert at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer on

Peachtree Street in Atlanta. This event was open to all students from early beginner to advanced and even adult students. It

featured four pianos and 18 ensembles including two teacher ensembles conducted by Fran Thrailkill and Mary Brown Hinely.

The net earnings from this event are used to fund the Musical Artistry Awards at our Fall Music Fest Event.

On Valentine’s Day we held our annual Jo Evans Scholarship competition at Agnes Scott College. The Josephine Evans

Memorial Fund was established by the Metropolitan Atlanta Music Teachers Association (or MAMTA) in 1983 to honor the

memory of this much loved piano teacher and Decatur musician. Open to all Georgia high school students in two age

categories, grades 9-10 and 11-12, students play a SLOW movement from a sonata by Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, or Schubert

and a contrasting piece of the student’s choice. Cash prizes are given in each category. Winners will be performing at our final

meeting of the year on May 4.

LOCAL ASSOCIATION REPORTS 28

The first annual GMTA Collegiate Colloquium, hosted by the Kennesaw State University Collegiate Chapter, invited 26

collegiate members and 4 piano faculty from Kennesaw State University (KSU), Reinhardt University, Shorter University and

Young Harris College on January 24, 2015. Jerico Vasquez, faculty of Shorter University, and Cynthia DeFoor, faculty of Young

Harris College, presented on “Maintaining a Private Studio” and “Stress Management”, four Collegiate chapters showcased their

activities throughout the past year, GMTA President Robin Engleman spoke about GMTA activities, Susan Naylor, the

Immediate Past Chair of the Collegiate Chapters, spoke about GMTA Collegiate Handbook. All attending collegiate members

were divided into four groups which discussed pedagogical topics for a future conference. Photos of the event can be found at

MTNA-Collegiate Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/GMTACollegiateChapters

News From Collegiate Chapters

Kennesaw State University Collegiate Chapter, (KSU-MTNA) Soohyun Yun, NCTM, Faculty Advisor

KSU-MTNA assisted hosting the Cobb County MTA, Local Audition on 2/28/2015 and the GMTA Regional V Audition on

3/28/2015 at KSU, successfully. Beth Anne Ake and Soyoun Sheehan, officers of KSU-MTNA performed at the Scholarship

Winners Recital in CCMTA monthly meeting on 3/6/2015. Four officers of KSU-MTNA presented three individual posters and

one group poster on piano pedagogy topics at the 20th KSU Annual Symposium of Student Scholars on 4/16/2015. In May, KSU-

MTNA will organize the third music festival for local pre-college students at KSU.

Reinhardt Collegiate Chapter, “Naturally Sharp” Susan Naylor, NCTM, Faculty Advisor

At our meeting after the Collegiate Colloquium at KSU on Jan. 24th, 2015, we elected our officers for 2015-16. Two of the

events that we talked about attending were the Collegiate Chapters National Symposium at University of South Carolina in

Columbia, SC, and the GMTA Collegiate Colloquium in 2016. On March 21st, 2015, 8 members from our chapter visited the

Emeritus Senior Center in Canton to present musical selections and lead the residents in singing hymns. We visited with them

before and after the music presentations. On April 21st, 2015, we had our end-of-year party where we went out to eat and then

went bowling. We plan to have a meeting of the Naturally Sharp Executive Board members in August 2015, to plan our

activities for next year.

UGA Collegiate Chapter, “Tonic” Peter Jutras, NCTM and Martha Thomas, NCTM, Faculty Advisors

Participated and presented a session titled “Secrets of Successful Group Teaching” at the MTNA Collegiate Chapters Piano

Pedagogy Symposium at Southern Methodist University on January 17-18, 2015.

Young Harris College Cynthia DeFoor, NCTM, Faculty Advisor

Young Harris College Piano Ensemble concert is Tuesday, April 14, 2015. Four of the ensemble members are MTNA Collegiate

members. Rocsane Tabulinar, Grace Mason, Kate Snell and Ariel Philo.

Statistics

Collegiate Members Registered for GMTA State Conference on November 7, 2014: 31 members from 6 colleges

Attendance at the Collegiate Chapters Meeting at GMTA State Conference 2014: 35 collegiate members and 5 faculty advisors

from KSU-MTNA, Naturally Sharp (Reinhardt University), Tonic (UGA), Shorter University, Young Harris College, Wesleyan

College (not officially organized yet through MTNA)

As of January 9, 2015, GMTA has 44 Collegiate Members and almost half of those are new members this year.

COLLEGIATE CHAPTERS 29 Soohyun Yun, NCTM, Collegiate Chapters Chair

As of January 2015, GMTA had a membership of 722, and of those, 103 hold current National Certification. We rank 27 th in the

nation for certification with 14.3% of our members holding National Certification.

CONGRATULATIONS TO KENDRA BALL GANNAWAY who earned her National Certification through Administrative Verification!

Now is the time to renew your National Certification for 2015/2016! You may do so at https://members.mtna.org/

mtnarenewcertificationform/. It is incredibly easy and takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. Please feel free to contact me

with any questions you may have regarding renewal.

There are two ways you may become at Nationally Certified Teacher of Music: through Administrative Verification or through

completing a Teacher Profile Project. You may read more information about both at http://www.mtnacertification.org/process/.

30 CERTIFICATION

Ashley Craig-Diaz, NCTM Certification Chair

31

MTNA has come up with a Membership Drive Campaign Handbook. This is located on the MTNA Website. It includes new

member recruiting and member retention ideas.

For New Members:

Welcoming Packet. A welcome letter or email from the state or local association president with a thank you and an invitation to

the group’s next meeting sets a positive tone with the new member. Although time-consuming, a follow-up phone call from the

president or a local contact is a wonderful personal touch that is well worth the effort if it results in more active, satisfied

members. (Personal interaction with new members is the best way to get them involved and ensure they stay involved in your

association’s activities.)

First-time Meeting Buddy System. Establish a committee of existing members that will be assigned to call new members to

invite them to the next association meeting. Then the “buddy” greets the new members at the meeting and introduces them to

other members to ease any initial apprehension. Some associations even go so far as to establish a rule that if a new member is

present at a meeting or function, no two officers can talk to each other. They must talk with the new members.

First-year Member Reception At State Convention. Have your state president host a reception – open to all members – during

which first-year members are recognized by the group. Think of all you can do to make them feel welcome and included.

Association Newsletter. List new members in each issue of your newsletter. Encourage established members to call and

welcome them to the group.

Scholarships. Local associations award scholarships to a certain number of new members each year to attend state conference.

Mentoring. Ask seasoned teachers and long-time MTNA members to mentor new members. Pairing new members with veteran

members will encourage the new members’ participation in your group’s activities and will result in increased member

satisfaction and retention. Some suggested guidelines for a mentoring program are included in the next section of this handbook.

Retention Ideas For All Members:

Programming: Plan programs that are diverse, comprehensive and applicable to all members of your association. Be sensitive to

members’ schedules and locations by offering alternative times and locations for meetings and activities throughout the year. Use

varying means of communication to spread the word – newsletters, telephone calls, surveys, newspapers, television, radio, email

and so on.

Provide seminars and programs for the new teacher getting started in the teaching field (business aspects of running a studio and

so on). Provide child care.

Assist members in getting reconnected to a new local association after they move.

Encourage meetings and activities that appeal to the non-pianist.

Provide assistance for members who need financial assistance in order to attend the state conference (registration, conference

meals, carpooling).

Arrange carpooling for monthly local association meetings.

Go after non-renewals. Find out why they did not renew. Look for trends and make adjustments (types of programs, more

fellowship, and the like).

Keep up-to-date in technology – use in association records and communication, plan programs on the use of technology in the

teaching studio.

Hold state-wide competitions or festivals for all instruments and voice.

Keep members informed through local and state newsletters/websites. Include materials for festivals and auditions, membership

directories, member handbooks, links to other resources, events, awards and pedagogical articles.

-Work younger members into leadership positions.

-Develop quality activities for students of members.

-Educate independent teachers on ways they can become full-time.

-Give IMT’s ideas for affording to attend the national conference.

-Get members involved in all facets of MTNA: local, state and national. Encourage them to read the journals, visit MTNA

website, become certified, enter students in the competitions, serve and recruit.

Jane Lester, GMTA VP of Membership

MEMBERSHIP

Thank you, Georgia Music Teachers and Local Associations,

for your generous contributions to the MTNA Foundation Fund.

Georgia has contributed $3,537.00 to the Fund in 2014.

Congratulations to Martha Thomas, who was recognized as a

new Fellow at the MTNA National Conference in Las Vegas in

March 2015. Donations made in Martha’s honor to the MTNA

Foundation Fund totaled $2,185.00. Contributions are still

being accepted if you would like make a donation.

We are already off to a good start for 2015. Donations totaling

$65 have been credited to Georgia in the first quarter. Thank

you for your contributions.

The MTNA Foundation Fund makes possible the many

programs that benefit the professional growth of teachers and

musical growth of our students. The Commissioned

Composer program, MTNA Student Competitions,

Collegiate Chapter of the Year, Teacher Enrichment Grants,

Studio Teacher Fellowship Grants and Teacher Enrichment

Grants are only a few of the many programs funded by the

MTNA Foundation Fund.

Your investment in MTNA, through a contribution to the

MTNA Foundation Fund, is tax deductible and will help

advance the value of music study, music making, and the

professionalism of music teachers.

Donations can easily be made online at mtna.org. Click on

MTNA Foundation Fund at the top of the page, then click on

“Make a Donation” and follow the online instructions.

32 MTNA FOUNDATION

Colette Keogh, NCTM, MTNA Foundation Chair

Think, for a minute, about that rare student who comes to you

loving music and already showing musical talent. The one who

is eager to learn and, as a result, progresses quickly. Think of

that student, whom you view proudly as he or she excels at

exams, wins contests, or is chosen for first chair in the school

orchestra.

Now imagine that this student was never able to take lessons—

never had the opportunity to realize their musical potential.

This happens every day, everywhere. Many children’s families

don’t have the financial means to provide lessons for their

children.

Each of us, however, can change a life for the better by

agreeing to teach just one of these students for reduced or no

charge. Through the program, MusicLink, this student can be

hand picked by a music teacher who already has identified him

or her as musically talented and eager to learn. The initiation

process is simple and many systems are in place to help you get

started and support you along the way. Perhaps you are already

teaching a child on scholarship. By completing one form online,

you can take advantage of the many discounts and opportunities

available to students and teachers by becoming a part of

MusicLink.

If you would like to learn more, log onto the MusicLink

website at www.musiclinkfoundation.org. We encourage you to

join us by clicking on “How to Participate” at the top of the

Home Page. If you are already teaching a student on

scholarship, complete the ML Registration Form to become part

of the program. If you want to volunteer to teach a student,

complete the Teacher Volunteer Form.

Email us to request a packet of information to share with

colleagues to begin a local MusicLink program in your

community. You can make a huge difference in the life of a

child. We know. We have reached over 6000 students in all 50

states and several Canadian provinces, creating musicians, one

student at a time.

Or find your local coordinator on the MusicLink website or

contact your SE Regional Coordinator, Nora Martin, at

wolf1193@charter.net.

33 MUSICLINK FOUNDATION Nora Martin, MusicLink SE Regional Coordinator

GMTA CALENDAR 34

2015

June 30: Active Membership Renewal Deadline. Active membership year runs from July 1 thru June 30.

August 1: Executive Board members, including Local Association Presidents, are asked to submit articles to

Natalie Hardy at nsmhardy88@gmail.com.

August 22: GMTA Council of Local Association Presidents Meeting and GMTA Executive Board Meeting, Clayton State

University, Morrow, Georgia

September 14: Application Deadline for GMTA Teacher of the Year, Steinway Piano Galleries Music Teacher Grants,

GMTA Grants (Deadline always on second Monday of September)

September 16: Online Application Deadline (3:00 p.m. Eastern Time) for MTNA Competitions

September 30: Student Membership Renewal Deadline. Student membership year runs from October 1 - September 30.

October 29-November 1: MTNA Competitions, Clayton State University, Morrow, Georgia

November 5-7: GMTA State Conference, Agnes Scott College, Decatur, Georgia

December 1: Executive Board members, including Local Association Presidents, are asked to submit articles to

Natalie Hardy at nsmhardy88@gmail.com.

2016

January 15-18: Southern Division Meetings and Competitions, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida

February 29: Postmark Deadline for GMTA Regional Auditions Applications

March 19: GMTA Regional Auditions.

Dates have not yet been confirmed by all Regional Host Facilities as of June 21, 2015.

March 21: Postmark Deadline for GMTA Auditions Applications

April 3-6: MTNA Conference, San Antonio, Texas

April 9: GMTA Council of Local Association Presidents Meeting and

GMTA Executive Board Meeting, University of Georgia, Athens

April 9: GMTA State Auditions for College Piano, Instrumental, Voice and Instrumental Concerto,

University of Georgia, Athens

April 16: GMTA State Auditions for Pre-College Piano and Piano Concerto, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia

November: MTNA Competitions, Location TBA

November 3-5: GMTA State Conference, Mercer University, Macon, GA

GMTA LEADERSHIP

Executive Board:

President: Robin Engleman, NCTM englemanr@bellsouth.net

President-Elect: Rebekah Healan rebekahhealan@yahoo.com

Vice President of Conference: Joy Poole jpoole@burnthickory.com

Vice President of Membership: Jane Lester jlpiano@bellsouth.net

Vice President of Newsletters: Natalie Hardy nsmhardy88@gmail.com

Vice President of GMTA Auditions: Cathy Thacker, NCTM cbt88@bellsouth.net

Vice President of MTNA Competitions: Carol Payne, NCTM canticle80@gmail.com

Secretary: Jackie Reed, NCTM jackiereed@bellsouth.net

Member-at-Large: Portia Hawkins, NCTM pshawkins8@aol.com

Member-at-Large: Betty White, NCTM bettypiano@comcast.net

Immediate Past President: Dawn McCord, NCTM dmccord@westga.edu

Executive Director: Mandy Reynolds georgiamta@gmail.com

Committee Chairs:

Chair-Arts Awareness & Advocacy: Debra Murphy murf2227@bellsouth.net

Chair-Certification: Ashley Craig-Diaz, NCTM acraigdiaz@gmail.com

Chair-College Faculty: Paula Thomas-Lee, NCTM ptl@reinhardt.edu

Chair-Collegiate Chapters: Soohyun Yun, NCTM syun1@kennesaw.edu

Chair-Finance/Advisory: Susan Andrews, NCTM pianosusan@comcast.net

Chair-GMTA Awards: Heather Turner, NCTM high_meadows_farm@yahoo.com

Chair-Independent Music Teachers Forum: Annette Day, NCTM daystudio@bellsouth.net

Chair-MTNA Foundation: Colette Keogh, NCTM cakeogh16@gmail.com

Chair-Piano Judges List: Yumi Patterson, NCTM yumisan2k@bellsouth.net

Chair-Technology: Joe Lozier joe@lozierstudio.com

Chair-Theory: Jason Bennett BennettMusicStudio@gmail.com

Local Association Presidents:

Athens MTA: Jack Bamford jbamford@athenschristian.com

Atlanta MTA: Kathy Ackermann crosstownjazz@bellsouth.net

Augusta MTA: Sarah Moore sevans583@gmail.com

Cherokee MTA: Laura Lozier laura@lozierstudio.com / Paula Thomas-Lee, NCTM ptl@reinhardt.edu

Cobb County MTA: Huu Mai huutmai@gmail.com

Columbus MTA: Martha Aguirre AguirreMV@aol.com

Coweta-Fayette MTA: Annette Day, NCTM daystudio@bellsouth.net

Decatur MTA: Jane Frackenpohl janefrack@earthlink.net

Golden Isles MTA: Donna Nilsson nilsson.music@att.net

Greater Marietta MTA: Ruth Ann Clark cfraclark@earthlink.net

Gwinnett County MTA: Mary Ann McTier mam0609@comcast.net

Macon MTA: Susan Mincey susanmincey@cox.net

North DeKalb: Laurel Harrell harrell7@bellsouth.net

North Fulton: Ashley Craig-Diaz, NCTM acraigdiaz@gmail.com

Northeast Georgia: Cindy DeFoor, NCTM cdefoor@yhc.edu

Rome: Kyla Cummins Zollitsch kylacummins@hotmail.com

Savannah: Diane Boyd, NCTM dianelboyd@comcast.net

South Metro Atlanta MTA: Benjamin Bertin bwbertin@gmail.com

Western Georgia: George Mann, NCTM georgemannga@aol.com

GMTA Audition Staff:

State-Level Audition Chairs

Auditions Chair College/Adult: Joann Kim Doyle, NCTM joanna.kim@ung.edu

Auditions Chair Instrumental Strings, Woodwinds, Guitar, & Brass: Anne Sun shuannesun1011@gmail.com

Auditions Chair Voice [Grades 9-12, College/Adult]: Pat Callaway drpat@healthyvoicestudio.com

Auditions Chair Piano 4 & 5: Elena Cholakova elena.cholakova@emory.edu

Auditions Chair Piano 6 & 7: Rwei Hao, NCTM rhao@bellsouth.net

Auditions Chair Piano 8 & 9: Susan Andrews, NCTM pianosusan@comcast.net

Auditions Chair Piano 10 & 11: Diane Boyd, NCTM dianelboyd@comcast.net

Auditions Chair Piano 12, Concerto (Instrumental 6-11, Piano 9-11): Lisa Gaal, NCTM musicbylisa@att.net

35

Continued

on

page 36

Auditions Coordinator Region I: Ping Xu feliciapingxu@yahoo.com

Cherokee, Gwinnett, North DeKalb, Northeast Georgia

Auditions Organizer Region I Piano Grades 4 & 5: Jean Mann

Auditions Organizer Region I Piano Grades 6 & 7: Glen Eckman

Auditions Organizer Region I Piano Grades 8 & 9: Viola Tan

Auditions Organizer Region I Piano Grades 10 & 11: Ping Xu

Auditions Coordinator Region II: Colette Keogh cakeogh16@gmail.com

Athens, Augusta, Golden Isles, Savannah

Auditions Organizer Region II Piano Grades 4 & 5: Edith Sweatman

Auditions Organizer Region II Piano Grades 6 & 7: Sarah Moore

Auditions Organizer Region II Piano Grades 8 & 9: Nancy Riley

Auditions Organizer Region II Piano Grades 10 & 11: Colette Keogh

Auditions Coordinator Region III: Cindy Feagin cindymfeagin@cox.net

Columbus, Coweta-Fayette, Macon, South Georgia

Auditions Organizer Region III Piano Grades 4 & 5: Susan Mincey

Auditions Organizer Region III Piano Grades 6 & 7: Susan Mincey

Auditions Organizer Region III Piano Grades 8 & 9: Ruth Rowell

Auditions Organizer Region III Piano Grades 10 & 11: Ruth Rowell

Auditions Coordinator Region IV: Kristi Helfen pkhelfen@yahoo.com

Decatur, North Fulton, Atlanta, South Metro

Auditions Organizer Region IV Piano Grades 4 & 5: Hwee Boon Ng

Auditions Organizer Region IV Piano Grades 6 & 7: Jackie Reed

Auditions Organizer Region IV Piano Grades 8 & 9: Julie Soh-Harbin

Auditions Organizer Region IV Piano Grades 10 & 11: Keiko Ransom

Auditions Coordinator Region V: Joy Poole jpoole@burnthickory.com

Cobb, Greater Marietta, Rome, Western Georgia

Auditions Organizer Region V Piano Grades 4 & 5: Joe Camillo, NCTM

Auditions Organizer Region V Piano Grades 6 & 7: Deanne Ohman

Auditions Organizer Region V Piano Grades 8 & 9: Wanda Hughes

Auditions Organizer Region V Piano Grades 10 & 11: Linda Lokey, NCTM

MTNA Competitions Staff:

Competitions-Junior Performance: Julie Smith pianojem1984@gmail.com

Competitions-Senior Performance: David George davidngeorge1@gmail.com

Competitions-Young Artist Performance: Debra Hughes, NCTM bndhughes@comcast.net

Competitions-Chamber Music Performance: Debra Hughes, NCTM bndhughes@comcast.net

Competitions-Composition Competitions: Soohyun Yun, NCTM syun1@kennesaw.edu

Membership

The Georgia Music Teachers Association (GMTA) is a member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and

memberships are jointly held in both organizations. Members receive subscriptions to The American Music Teacher.

Membership is open to individuals professionally engaged in any field of musical activity and dues should be sent to MTNA,

441 Vine Street, Suite 3100, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-3004. MTNA is available toll-free at

1-888-512-5278 to answer your questions regarding membership dues or on the web at www.mtna.org

Notice

The GMTA Newsletter is an information journal focusing on matters directly related to MTNA, GMTA and local associations

only. It does not promote the studios of individual teachers or institutions by publishing articles regarding the

accomplishments of teachers, students, or an institutions’ activities. Paid advertising is available for this purpose. GMTA

expressly reserves the right to refuse publication of any article photograph, or advertisement contrary to the objectives of

MTNA or the Associations. All articles are subject to editing due to size or content.

Advertising

Limited advertising space is available for firms or individuals who have a product or service of specific interest or benefit to

GMTA members. All correspondence regarding advertising should be sent to the Executive Director Donna Trivette by fax

(770) 945-7504 or by email georgiamta@gmail.com

Submittals

GTMA publishes its online newsletter three times per year. Publication dates and their respective deadlines are as follows:

January 15th (Deadline: December 1)

June 15th (Deadline: May 1st)

September 15th (Deadline August 1st)

Editors

Natalie Hardy, VP Newsletters nsmhardy88@gmail.com

Robin Engleman, NCTM, President englemanr@bellsouth.net

Proofreaders

Susan Andrews, NCTM, FAC Chair

Mandy Reynolds, GMTA Executive Director